Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Northern Alps in Gifu Prefecture, KAI Okuhida is part of KAI, Hoshino Resorts’ onsen ryokan brand. Set in the Okuhida Onsen area, renowned for its abundant natural hot spring waters, the ryokan offers a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese inn, combining modern artistry with the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Hida.
This winter, KAI Okuhida invites guests to discover the snow-country culture of the Northern Alps, from the traditional villages of Shirakawa-go to the ski slopes of Hakuba. Along the way, guests can experience lesser-known winter destinations, local delicacies and the enduring beauty of Japan’s mountain landscapes.
With convenient ways to explore the region, KAI Okuhida allows guests to enjoy spectacular winter scenery without the worry of driving on snow-covered roads. Back at the ryokan, winter is celebrated through experiences rooted in local culture, from kaiseki featuring Hida beef to an enchanting snow light show illuminated by original Hida-dama lamps.
Here are five reasons to visit Japan’s Northern Alps this winter.
- Discover lesser-known ski areas and exceptional powder snow
Just five minutes by car from KAI Okuhida, Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort sits at an altitude of 1,300 metres, offering a quieter alternative to Japan’s busier ski destinations. Guests can enjoy excellent powder snow amid the dramatic winter scenery of the Northern Alps, away from the crowds.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, guided backcountry tours offer the opportunity to explore the pristine winter landscape beyond the marked slopes.
KAI Okuhida also offers a stay plan that includes lift tickets, making it easy to combine a day on the slopes with a relaxing soak in the region’s renowned hot springs. Guests looking to experience more of Japan’s legendary powder snow can extend their journey with a stay at KAI Alps in Hakuba, one of the country’s world-class snow resort destinations.
- Enjoy a stress-free journey to World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go
From 4 January to 31 March 2027, guests staying at KAI Okuhida can take a direct shuttle service to Takayama Station and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go.
The journey offers a relaxed way to experience one of the region’s most remarkable winter destinations, with snow-covered landscapes unfolding outside the window. It also removes the need to navigate snowy mountain roads, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery without the stress of winter driving.
*Shuttle dates may change or be cancelled depending on snow conditions. Advance booking is required.
- Relax among Hida craftsmanship with tranquil views of the snow
KAI’s guest rooms are thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the culture and artistry of each destination, bringing the character of the local region into the stay.
At KAI Okuhida, the Hida MOKU Room showcases the beauty of locally sourced timber. Its headboard draws inspiration from mageki, a traditional Hida craft in which wood is steamed and carefully bent into elegant curves. Furniture crafted by Hida’s skilled master artisans further highlights the region’s woodworking heritage.
For an even more private winter retreat, select rooms feature their own open-air bath where guests can soak in the hot spring waters while taking in peaceful views of the snow-covered landscape.
- Savour Hida beef in an exquisite kaiseki experience
Renowned for its fine marbling and rich flavour, Hida beef is one of Gifu Prefecture’s most celebrated culinary specialties. At KAI Okuhida, it takes centre stage in a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner that brings together local ingredients, artistry and a sense of place.
Hida beef is prepared in two distinct ways: grilled over a lava stone and cooked on a dried magnolia leaf, a local speciality. The experience engages all five senses, from the sound of the beef sizzling on the hot stone to the delicate aroma released as it cooks on the fragrant magnolia leaf.
The presentation is equally rooted in local tradition. Dishes are served on reclaimed timber inspired by an irori, a traditional Japanese sunken hearth, while the final sweet offers a playful interpretation of mitarashi dango—grilled rice dumplings glazed with sweet soy sauce.
- Experience winter at its most magical at KAI Okuhida
Enjoy a luxurious bite inside a traditional snow hut
From 10 January to 10 February 2027, KAI Okuhida presents A Magical Light Show in the Snow, a winter-only experience combining the beauty of the snow-covered landscape with the flavours of Hida.
Now in its third year, the experience invites guests to settle into a special seat inside a traditional kamakura snow hut, where they can savour Hida beef alongside a warming hot whisky tea while taking in the illuminated winter scenery.
KAI Okuhida’s original Hida-dama lamps cast a magical glow across the snow, while the hot whisky tea, made with Japanese black tea fermented using hot spring water, adds a distinctive local touch to this intimate winter experience.
Admire Okuhida’s spectacular frozen waterfalls
From 11 January to 28 February 2027, guests can join KAI Okuhida’s first-ever Frozen Waterfall Bus Tour, visiting two of Okuhida Onsen’s stunning winter ice formations, reaching up to 15 metres high.
The guided tour takes guests by dedicated bus to the giant icicles of Aodaru at Fukuji Onsen and the illuminated Kanekoori at Shin-Hirayu Onsen, including an atmospheric LED-lit tunnel. Along the way, the guide shares the stories behind these remarkable formations and the secrets of Okuhida’s renowned powder snow.
Afterwards, guests can warm up in the ryokan’s courtyard footbath while enjoying secchū mizore-zake, a supercooled sake that transforms into a sherbet-like slush when poured.
Together, these experiences offer a different way to enjoy Japan’s winter by combing the snowy landscapes of the Northern Alps with Hida’s food, craftsmanship, hot springs and distinctive winter traditions.
